What is RISEUP?

RISEUP is a new strategy developed by the NSW Police Commissioner, connecting disengaged young people to workplace opportunities.

RISEUP incorporates job ready programs, mentoring and vocational training for at risk youth aged between 15 and 18 to build their engagement with education, employment opportunities and the community. The initiative aims to partner with employers across NSW to create meaningful workplace opportunities for young people who’ve embraced positive change in their lives.

The foundations of the initiative focus on early intervention to prevent and disrupt crime. It is a collaborative approach with Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC) NSW and industry leaders to achieve positive outcomes for young people and divert them from the criminal justice system.

The final stage in RISEUP, is the opportunity for participants to be connected to employment or further opportunities to enhance employment capability. This is the stage which will give purpose to the entire journey the young person has progressed through, as it provides them with a strong sense of achievement, pride, ownership and the ability to contribute to a team and their community. Most importantly it breaks the less fortunate cycle they would have otherwise been on.

How will RISEUP work?

RISEUP incorporates a suite of programs which operate state-wide in partnership with PCYC NSW and encompass a range of strategies including early intervention, developmental crime prevention, positive relationships, support networking, functional numeracy, literacy, nutrition and behavioural workshops. They all include a job-ready component and link young people with employers.

Youth are supported by police youth case managers, PCYC NSW youth workers and other specialist services to help them gain the skills required to land a job.

The programs are delivered with an alternative learning environment to build participants commitment, resilience and motivation as well as essential employment skills through work experience and exposure to industries and businesses.